DWARD: You cannot sign BOTH George and Cousins in 2018. It is not financially possible.
Lakers have 22M to spend this summer, w/ the cap holds for the number 2 pick (4.5M) and the 28th pick (1M)
That is not enough for a max contract THIS summer.
Next summer, the contracts of Black (6.6M) and Brewer (7.4M) come off while the contracts of the 2nd pick, Mozgov increase slightly, adding an additional 13M. That is enough for ONE max seeing how they start in the 26-30M range. You must also pay Randle if you want to keep him in 2018. This is why I say trade now to attain george's bird rights, allowing the Lakers to re/ sign him OVER the cap and attain another player like Cousins. Any deal for George would more than likely include taking Deng off. I'd rather pay 18M for George next season than for Deng. Idk about you.

If Indy don't bite, draft Tatum or Isaac and hopefully get George in 2018 FA.
This will give the board & Magic another year to see how our young core devolps as well as us still having assets with Randle, Tatum or Isaac if George doesn't go through and a young core to entice stars in 2018 FA such Westbrook and Cousins.

Lakers Make Playoff's Convinces George To Sign On And Recruit Westbrook In the 2018 FA

17/18 Season

PG: Westbrook
SG: Russell
SF: George
PF: Ingram
C: Whiteside

Dominate the NBA

DWARD

1.) 29 Apr 2017 19:34:03
The Thunder are not going to let Russell Westbrook walk without getting anything in return. If he rejects the contract extension this offseason and if the Lakers call it's going to cost D'Angelo Russell + another young piece. Whiteside's contract is a lot of money. Can't bring in Whiteside, George and Westbrook on max deals if Deng and Mozgov are on the roster.